News opinion 2008-05-18 Andanh.com

On Tuesday, please get out and vote Sat, 17 May 2008 21:56:48 -0500
While it appears that the presidential matchups are all but wrapped up, it is still important that residents get out to the polls Tuesday. Besides a heated Democratic presidential race, the ballot includes a U.S. Senate race, a Democratic primary for the 2nd District congressional seat, a primary for the 9th state Senate district, a primary for Logan County state representative seat and a Bowling Green mayoral primary. These should all be very interesting races to follow; after Tuesday, there will be fewer candidates for the general election in November. Seven Democratic candidates are vying to become the nominee to take on U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in the general election. State Sen. Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling Green, is running unopposed for the 2nd District congressional seat, but he will face one of two opponents, David Boswell or Reid Haire, on the Democratic ticket in November. There are three Republicans and three Democrats running for the seat being vacated by Guthrie. Only one from each party will remain to face off in the general election. The race to replace State Rep. Sheldon Baugh, R-Logan/Todd, who is retiring, has two Republicans and two Democrats vying to become the nominee from their respective parties. On the Republican side, the candidates are Tim Thompson and William “Billy” Hall; on the Democratic side, the candidates are Kent Knight and Martha Jane King. And of course, three people are currently vying for Bowling Green’s mayoral position: incumbent Elaine Walker, commissioner Brian Strow and retired interim police chief Jerry Wells. After Tuesday, however, only the top two vote-getters will remain. It is every American’s civic duty to get out and cast an informed vote for the candidates they believe will best represent their beliefs and ideals. Regardless of what you are doing Tuesday, set aside some time to go to the polls and exercise your constitutional right. If you fail to vote and want to whine later about the outcome, don’t expect any sympathy from those of us who voted.

The Lebanon crisis Sat, 17 May 2008 21:56:31 -0500
The timing couldn’t be worse. President Bush’s last trip to the Middle East comes at a time when his Mideast policy is in tatters. He will visit Israel, where the Annapolis peace process is virtually dead. He will visit Egypt, a symbol of Mideast autocracies that reject his democracy agenda: Egypt’s leading democracy campaigner Ayman Nour sits in jail. He will not visit Iraq, which teeters along, with nothing certain except that Iran’s clout there keeps rising. Nor will he visit Lebanon. Yet nothing better illustrates the extent of his Mideast failures than events in Lebanon in recent days. Last week, the Iranian-trained and -armed forces of the radical Shiite group Hezbollah took over much of Beirut. Their thugs attacked political offices and burned down media outlets of groups supporting the government, including the Future Movement. Lebanon’s pro-Western government grew out of the much-touted 2005 “Cedar Revolution” that effectively drove Syrian troops out of Lebanon. It became the poster child for Bush’s push to spread democracy in the Middle East. Hezbollah has mostly pulled back, but its military thrust shocked Lebanon and the entire region. Inside Lebanon, many fear the end of the Cedar Revolution and of their cosmopolitan way of life. “The problem is that Hezbollah has a vision that is anathema to many to many Lebanese, including Shiites, Sunnis, Druze and Christians,” said Lebanese journalist Hisham Melhem, speaking in Washington at the New America Foundation. “We are dealing with two contradictory visions of Lebanon, one Mediterranean and open, or a vision that says we are in an eternal war with Israel and the West.” What’s so scary about the Hezbollah attack is that no one knows exactly why the Shiite movement launched it; nor are they certain of Hezbollah’s goals or the intent of its Iranian sponsors. The nominal excuse for the attack was a clumsy move by Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Saniora to shut down a communications network run by Hezbollah. But many observers think Saniora’s move only gave Hezbollah a pretext for an attack that had been long and well planned. Equally unnerving, the Lebanese army, which has received $400 million in U.S. aid, stood by while Hezbollah acted, perhaps fearful that its Shiite troops wouldn’t fight. So what does Hezbollah want? The movement has opposed the government for months over the choice of a Lebanese president. It is also demanding veto power over government decisions. And it refuses to give up its enormous quantities of arms. Melhem, one of the smartest Mideast commentators around, says the government “would have been more forthcoming” if Hezbollah’s goal was political reforms. He means giving Lebanese Shiites more parliamentary seats, in line with their percentage of the population. But, he says, the government fears Hezbollah’s long-term goal “is the radical transformation of the Lebanese polity and the end of Lebanon’s western orientation.” Melhem adds: “No Lebanese faction in the previous civil war had such a deep and complex relationship with a foreign patron” - meaning Iran. The uncertainty about Iran’s goal in this affair is sending shock waves through the entire region. The U.S. ouster of Saddam Hussein and the Afghan Taliban greatly boosted Iran’s prominence in the region by removing Tehran’s two greatest enemies. Sunni Arab states have been fearful of Shiite Iran’s growing influence inside Iraq - now governed by Shiite religious parties close to Tehran. Arab Gulf states worry that Shiite-Sunni tensions inside Iraq may spill over into the entire oil-producing region. Those tensions have calmed somewhat inside Iraq, but the Lebanon battles could reignite them. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Saud al-Faisal, just accused Iran of backing “a coup” in Lebanon. “No doubt the schism in the region is deepening,” I was told by Vali Nasr, author of “The Shiite Awakening.” “When something like Lebanon happens, Sunnis see this as a Shiite power play.” If no compromise is found soon between the government and Hezbollah, the danger of a new civil war rises. Lebanese Sunnis may feel compelled to accept support from radical Sunni Islamists, as Sunni tribes did in Iraq when threatened by radical Shiite militias. “We’ll have the same situation as Iraq, without the American forces,” says Ibrahim Nasser, senior advisor to the Future Movement. In other words, al-Qaida offshoots plowing fertile territory in Lebanon. Is there any way to avoid this dire scenario? The Lebanese army won’t confront Hezbollah, nor is another Israeli attack likely or wise. Conceivably Hezbollah might be contained if relations improved between Iran and the United States. But that must wait on the next administration. As Bush’s trip will show, his many mistakes in the region leave him with little leverage to help Lebanon.

Hurting schools Sat, 17 May 2008 22:19:00 EST
When the General Assembly passed the state budget last month, the public schools -- like everything else -- took a hit.

Election Checklist Sat, 17 May 2008 22:22:00 EST
Here are candidates in Jefferson County primary election races Tuesday in which The Courier-Journal has made endorsements. The names of those we recommend are in bold (also capitalized) . An (asterisk) designates an incumbent. Unopposed candidates and races in which we made no endorsement are not listed. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES [Democratic Primary] BARACK OBAMA Hillary Rodham Clinton U.S. SENATE [Democratic Primary] BRUCE LUNSFORD Greg Fischer Michael Cassaro Kenneth Stepp David L. Williams David Wylie James E. Rice JEFFERSON CIRCUIT COURT Division 4 W. Douglas Kemper CHARLIE CUNNINGHAM ' Robert "Bob" Silverthorn (withdrawn) Louie Gunthner JEFFERSON DISTRICT COURT Division 16 Allyson Cox Shelley Santry Laura Prater Russell DAVID LARRY HOLTON II ' Ann Bailey Smith Sheila Berman Aaron J. Silletto Katie King Jan Firkins Brightwell David P. Bowles

Too solemn for her generation? Sat, 17 May 2008 22:35:00 EST
The YouTube clip is hard to hear at first, but thankfully, the main character is clutching a microphone. In the 90-second video entitled "Madison audience Defend Chelsea Clinton," a crowd member asserts that the former first daughter's phone calls to superdelegates on behalf of her mother's presidential campaign are somehow "unethical." And then Chelsea launches into what, to my ear, sounds like one of those perfume-scented, floral-patterned Mother's Day greeting cards:

Conversation about Founding Mothers Sat, 17 May 2008 22:05:00 EST
Last week, I wrote about Bonnie Angelo, journalist and author of First Mothers, and her thoughts about the women who raised the 10 presidents of the modern era, from Franklin D. Roosevelt through George W. Bush.

Rescuing endangered children Sat, 17 May 2008 22:36:00 EST
During the Vietnam War there was a phrase that came to symbolize the entire misbegotten adventure: "It became necessary to destroy the village in order to save it." It was said at first with sincerity, then repeated with irony, and finally with despair.

Polk's example: a one-term pledge Sat, 17 May 2008 22:38:00 EST
History suggests that a one-term presidency should not be rejected out of hand. For starters, the record of recent two-term presidents is far from heartening. In their last two years in office, Bill Clinton was impeached, Ronald Reagan weathered Iran-contra, and Richard Nixon likely would have been impeached and convicted had he not resigned. Even the popularity of dear old Ike suffered from an economic downturn and a yearning to change the guard.

America's transportation crossroads Sat, 17 May 2008 22:39:00 EST
All the gas tax talk has stirred up a storm. Whatever you think about the candidates' proposals, however, their debate has illuminated an urgent reality: If the U.S. government continues with its current transportation policies, it will undermine the social and economic security of our workforce and accelerate global climate change. We must chart a new course, rebuilding America's overburdened and, in many cases, obsolete transportation infrastructure while addressing these two 21st Century imperatives.

Misogyny of the Democratic race won't be missed Sat, 17 May 2008 22:19:00 EST
Some readers may find language in this commentary offensive. -- Editor. As the Democratic nomination contest slouches toward a close, it's time to take stock of what I will not miss.

With Kentucky in the spotlight, what does it show? Sat, 17 May 2008 22:06:00 EST
For the first time ever in a Democratic race for president, Kentucky will take center stage Tuesday night, as our polls close and the nation watches. But the stagehands are already taking down the lights, and the players are moving on to the main event. The day's results will say more about who we are than who the president will be.

Ad Watch - Greg Fischer Sat, 17 May 2008 22:13:00 EST

Cartoon a cheap shot Sun, 18 May 2008 02:05 EDT
The May 4 political cartoon by Joel Pett was a cheap shot at oil companies, wealthy people and President Bush. It also portrayed American workers in an incorrect light.

Many American workers are covered by 401K and pension plans. These plans often invest in mutual funds, which invest in oil companies. Thus, profits produced by these companies accrue directly to the benefit of U.S. workers.

As for rich folks benefiting from the war, it is well known that the rich in this country pay a much larger share of taxes than any other group. These taxes are used in the war effort.

Finally, Pett created a category called "war profiteers." Could this perhaps refer to his own employers, who sell papers and advertising based in part on their news coverage of the war?

Pett's cartoon displays a profound lack of knowledge about the way things actually operate in this country.

Cover stories for Obama opponents Sun, 18 May 2008 02:05 EDT
My wife, Cheryl, and I once landed at a Zimbabwe airport only to find great hubbub and celebration. When we asked what was going on we learned that then-first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea, were arriving, too.

We wondered why they were there, and for years Cheryl claimed that every spring break, Hillary Clinton took her daughter somewhere overseas on tax money.

That was when we saw through a glass darkly. But now it is clear that Hillary Clinton went to Harare to learn political exit tactics from Robert Mugabe. He is having his opponents beaten.

It is already fairly legal in America to beat a black person, so Clinton still has that option. It is easy for her to keep running since the only cost to the country is driving races apart.

Kentuckians love losers and will flock to her on Tuesday. We waited to see who lost the Civil War and got on that side. We grew hemp. We bet on tobacco. We love coal even as it starts cyclones.

Clinton offers solid plans for change Sun, 18 May 2008 02:05 EDT
Campaigning in Kentucky and across this country has been an honor and a privilege. Day after day, I've been inspired by the people I've met -- people who embrace opportunity, never waver in the face of adversity, meet hard times with hard work and never stop believing in the promise of America.

I'm in this race to stand for you, for everyone who's struggling to pay grocery bills and doctor's bills, credit-card and mortgage payments and the ridiculous price of gas at the pump.

With two wars abroad and an economic crisis here at home, we need a president who knows how to turn our economy around and who is ready on day one to be commander in chief, end the war in Iraq and keep our families safe. We need a president who will get this country back in the solutions business. That is exactly what I'm offering.

Because the real test is not the speeches you deliver, but whether you deliver on the speeches. You have to get the job done, and that is exactly what I will do as president.

I'm the only candidate with a plan to provide universal health care. More than 576,000 Kentuckians are uninsured, and many more have insurance that doesn't cover the care you need.

Courthouse plan wastes taxes, trust Sun, 18 May 2008 02:05 EDT
If the story of the new Pike County Courthouse was fiction, you would think the author was throwing in everything he had to make Kentucky look bad.

Fiction it's not.

For those who still scratch their heads about our persistent lame ratings in almost everything, this true story is a cautionary tale about how we got here and why we're not going anywhere.

It's a tale of cozy relationships, questionable planning, wacky property assessments and throwing good money after bad.

Wasteful spending

Endorsements Sun, 18 May 2008 12:51 EDT
URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL

(Best candidates to compete in non-partisan fall election)

District 3: Diane Lawless

Eric Thomason

District 5: Cheryl Feigel

Beshear in doghouse Sun, 18 May 2008 02:05 EDT
Gov. Steve Beshear can find a few bits of solace in the results of a recent Herald-Leader/WKYT Kentucky Poll.

An overwhelming majority of the poll's respondents (81 percent) agree with him that a constitutional amendment on gambling should be submitted to voters.

And a solid majority (55 percent) support raising the cigarette tax by 70 cents a pack, a proposal he backed during this year's General Assembly session.

Beshear also can take some comfort from knowing his approval rating is 17 percentage points higher than the General Assembly's.

Of course, there is a troublesome aspect to this comparison. Just 22 percent of poll respondents approve of the General Assembly's job performance, which means Beshear's 39 percent favorable rating takes him into the territory former Gov. Ernie Fletcher inhabited for the last half of his term.

Marriage made in heaven Sun, 18 May 2008 12:49 EDT

Playground teaches lessons
There were no organized youth leagues for basketball where I grew up. You learned the game on the park playground and the parking lots of churches.I suppose there were churches that had indoor courts, but we did not belong to one that did.

State’s primary remains exciting
In the end, Kentucky’s primary Tuesday isn’t likely to affect the Democratic presidential primary all that much but there’s an excitement — and anxiety — in the air anyway.

Chinese Dir